M. D. Anderson Supporter Surprised with Lab Dedication

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has named its molecular epidemiology genotyping facility for Charline and Sidney ‘Chief’ Dauphin in honor of Mrs. Dauphin’s support of the institution’s cancer prevention programs.

Genotyping is a sophisticated molecular process that identifies variants in genes that might put individuals at a higher risk for developing cancer. Such early identification of at-risk individuals could prompt earlier and more frequent screenings or other interventions to help reduce risk.

M. D. Anderson President John Mendelsohn, M.D., announced the new name for the lab when Dauphin visited the institution to meet postdoctoral fellows supported by the fund she established in her late husband’s memory.

Effective immediately, the lab is now called the “Charline and Sidney ‘Chief’ Dauphin Genotyping Facility.”

“It is a privilege to honor such a remarkable person as Mrs. Dauphin, and a joy to pay tribute to her husband’s memory. M. D. Anderson appreciates such extraordinary commitment to our mission to eliminate cancer. Her generosity will help to push our efforts forward for many years to come,” said Mendelsohn.

“I am so impressed with the work that is under way at M. D. Anderson, and when I saw the smiling faces of the young people in the lab named for my late husband and me, I thought, ‘Chief would be so proud,’” said Mrs. Dauphin. “I am so honored to be a part of this institution and pleased to be able to support such important studies.”

Xifeng Wu, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology, is director of the core genotyping facility. Her work focuses on the genetic makeup of cells to help predict which individuals are more susceptible to cancer in order to target prevention strategies for those individuals.

Mrs. Dauphin’s generosity focuses on cancer prevention including tobacco cessation, as well as other priority research programs. In addition, she has agreed to dedicate time to M. D. Anderson by serving as a member of the institution’s advisory board, The University Cancer Foundation Board of Visitors.